Discipling nations

Two weekends ago I had the privilege of attending a retreat with some of my friends from Cross Connect Ministries. I first met them last year when I came to Grenada, and we have gotten closer over the months, especially since they are helping me plan the student launch of ISCF Grenada. They are a great bunch of people - full of life and love for God, so I looked forward to spending a weekend with them in Belle Isle.

We awoke to this display of God's splendor

Everybody put their hands together to provide this luscious spread

Soooo upset I didn't walk with my bathing suit...

Never seen a staircase quite like this before

Two hands needed to turn dat pot!

 In the midst of these beautiful surroundings, we had some sessions, focusing on the mandate to disciple nations. Here are a couple things that stood out to me:

• Persons need to be discipled, not just saved. Many times we focus on evangelistic events where x number of persons were saved. What happens after the event is over? A person does not become a disciple overnight - it is an ongoing process that requires intentional efforts.

• All Christians should consider the mandate to take the gospel to all nations personally.  You might not leave your country, but how are you using your present position (where you study, where you work, where you live) to influence those around you with the message of the Kingdom of God? Your nation has to be impacted with the gospel just as much as other nations, and you have an active role to play

• Believers should occupy fully the sphere of influence God has given them access to. How can you use principles of the Kingdom of God (see Matthew chapters 5-7) to challenge the way that your leaders think and operate? You don't have to be a preacher - just teach the truth.

• The Church needs to see its role as an agent of transformation in society instead of focusing on increasing membership. This would involve a shift in having a vision for people, to having a vision for nations. 

• The Church needs to stop separating and condemning, and start reaching out and loving.

• We should have enough faith to know that something is impossible, and want to do it anyway

Hope you were as challenged as I was to "...go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20

Mission to St. Vincent

On December 24th 2013 St. Vincent, St. Lucia and Dominica were severely affected by unexpected flooding following a thunderstorm. Since then, Is There Not A Cause (ITNAC) has been collecting and shipping foodstuff, toiletries, water and clothing to areas that were affected. I had the opportunity to join with the ITNAC team from February 6th - 9th as we partnered with Arnos Vale Church of the Nazarene to make a difference, one life at a time.

Finally on my first missions trip with ITNAC's
 youngest ever missionary - Imara

ITNAC team members who braved the 16 hour boat ride
 from Trinidad to St. Vincent offloading supplies on the port

Packing food hampers from the back of our car trunk

After I taught her an easy way to learn her 9 times tables,
Dennisir asked me to stay with her in St. Vincent

 Dennisir is the smiling 10 year old in the middle. She brought her report book to show me how she came first in test for the majority of the time she was in school. The first time she slipped, it was because her father was imprisoned. Her friends keep harassing her about getting a boyfriend, but she isn't interested, because then she will have children to mind. All she wants is to become a surgeon, so she can build a proper house for her mother and take care of her. Please keep this ambitious treasure in your prayers.

All that is left of three shops that stood at the side of the river

Road eaten away by flood waters

Two months after the floods, there is still debris to be cleared

Residents crowd the vehicles to get food hampers and clothing

They shared their stories, and their gratitude for the help we gave

Matthew 25:40 - ...whatever you did for one of the least of these...you did for me

Sharing God's love in another community

ITNAC crew with our host Pastor Kelron Harry
after church on Sunday, where I shared my testimony

Went to help the guys get the stage for open air crusade
 - got to ride on the back of this truck!

While they set up, we looked at the gray skies and
 prayed that the rain would not fall

The rain fell while they were setting up - had to scramble to ensure the equipment didn't get wet because the tent was leaking. However, God held up the rain until we said the final 'Amen' then it started drizzling.

Avy shared her powerful testimony of a life transformed by Christ

Visiting Evangelist gave the gospel message based on John 4

Many came out to hear the word despite the inclement weather.
Four persons responded to the altar call on the first night

In the midst of the ministry, we were able to take time off to do some sight seeing. St. Vincent reminds me of Grenada, with all the mountains on the interior, and beautiful blue beaches on the coast.

Visiting Table Rock in Vermont

On top Fort Charlotte

Spectacular view of Kingstown from the Fort

Visit to the oldest Botanical Gardens in the Caribbean

St. Vincent's national parrot told us 'hello'

Of course I had to find a beach :)

They wanted me to stay longer, but I know for now my assignment is in Grenada. Who knows where next God may lead? 

Happy 40th Independence Grenada!!!

From the time I returned to Grenada in January this year, it was clear that they were in a celebratory mood. Everywhere you looked there were flags and bunting displaying the national colors - red, yellow and green. Clearly Grenadians take Independence Day very seriously... there were more decorations seen than were visible for Christmas!

Most business places had decorations on the outside...

Even the small ones like the neighbourhood parlour

The cemetry was also resplendent with colors

My first Independence event was the launch of a booklet written by Sister Joan to commemorate the nation's 40th independence. In it she explored the spiritual significance of Grenada's history, and made some very insightful parallels to the 40 years that Israel spent in the wilderness before entering the promised land. It was here that I heard my first Grenadian folk songs :)

Sister Joan reading excerpts from 'Grenada: 40 years in spiritual wilderness'

Her grand-daughter reading a poem celebrating Grenada's culture

Then on Sunday our church joined with four other churches from the Springs community for a joint Independence service. There was a sweet time of worship with a joint worship team, some national songs and a poem, prayer for the nation, a timely challenge from scripture.

Everyone decked off in national colors

Greetings from the Prime Minister of Grenada - Dr. Keith Mitchell

Johannes, Sister Dale, Danielle and me after service

There is a nation-wide competition among the various communities to decorate their villages for Independence. It was really encouraging to see people coming together to repair potholes and beautify their surroundings in the national colors.

Creativity abounds in this country

Any open space was transformed into a sea of red, yellow and green

Coming from a country where we only display our national pride when a Trinidadian accomplishes a great feat internationally (like when we qualified for the world cup) or on Independence Day itself, I couldn't help but be caught up in the spirit of 'I love Grenada'

Representing with my hand band

Dey already accusing me of being a Grenadian, so why fight it?

Since I won't be in Grenada for the actual Independence Day tomorrow please God (heading to St. Vincent for a weekend missions trip) my Grenz sister Coleen made sure that I had my full of cultural experiences before I left.

Pre-school Independence treat in the mall

Of course we were decked out for Colors Day

Grenada's nation dish (oil down) for lunch with fresh golden apple juice

Stuffing my face

Big drum at Cultural Extravaganza in Grenville last night

Waited until the end of the show for the 5-minute spectacular display of fireworks

On the way home from the show at 1am this morning, I was stopped by police who were "conducting a routine check to search for illegal drugs and ammunition". I nearly dead trying not to laugh when they ask me if I had any cocaine, marijuana or illegal weapons in my car...I have lived in Trinidad for over 30 years, and have never been asked to step out of my vehicle while they search for contraband. I guess one of them felt sorry for me, because after a couple minutes of searching he said, 'Just let her go'

Got to love this country. HAPPY INDEPENDENCE GRENADA!!!!!!